Web CMS Questions and Answers

A Web Content Management System, or CMS, is web browser-based software to post and maintain the content of your website. The software all runs on the University's web server so there is no software for you to install on your workstation. It includes simple to use content editing tools, similar to Microsoft Word. It allows text formatting, links, pictures, media, etc. to be included in your web content.

The software also keeps all the web content in a database behind the scenes. This allows you to draft new pages, and make them available internally, before they are published to the world. This author, edit, publish cycle will allow you to have more control over your content.

How does a CMS work?

The Web CMS does not require any special software or any technical knowledge to use. It is a web-based platform and can be accessed wherever you have an Internet connection and a web browser. The interface is very similar to Microsoft Word and does all of the HTML coding for you. You can concentrate on the content and not worry about how it will affect the page layout. It also automatically optimizes your site’s content for search, so that when someone searches for information on your site it is more likely to be found.

Who can use the University’s Web CMS?

Site management is done through CMS "Groups". Each web site is assigned to a group with at least one Group Admin who has complete control over the content of the site. In addition, Group Admins manage the membership of the Group and can grant editing and publishing privileges to anyone with a UMS User ID, whether they be staff in your department, student workers, or staff from other offices that are assisting you.

When changes are made to your content the date and time of those changes as well as who made them are be logged and available to see. Group Publishers can then selectively make content available, or delegate that responsibility as well.